Photography

Eagle sits on a branch

Aug 12, 2026

One of a few eagles spotted by Ben Threinen on a recent walk. Look at its enormous talons. Eagles are prodigious grippers, able to muster up to 400 pounds per square inch of grasping power. Human gripping power is far less, topping out at less than 75 pounds per square inch.

American Serenade passes by

Aug 5, 2026

Local photographer Ben Threinen captured this image of the river cruise boat American Serenade heading downriver on Aug. 3. The American Serenade is a modern 180-passenger cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines, according to the company website. It made its debut on the Mississippi River in...

Vulture committee meets in lakeside tree

Jul 29, 2026

Photographer Ben Threinen submitted this image of “a kettle or comittee of 40 [vultures meeting] to discuss life and food on Lake Pepin.” The meeting tree stands alone on a small peninsula near Central Point.

Lake Pepin provides refuge from summer heat

Jul 22, 2026

It’s the most sweltering time of the year (we hope). Last weekend people took to the water to keep cool. Above, swimmers paddle around a sailboat. At right, a wind surfer travels across the lake. -Photos by Ben Threinen

Gull feeding frenzy at Ohuta Park

Jul 22, 2026

Photographer Ben Threinen submitted this dramatic photo of an airborne fish desperate to elude gulls fishing in the high winds near Ohuta Park. The fish escaped, according to Threinen.

Waters fill with holiday revelry

Jul 8, 2026

A fleet of sailboats anchor together in Lake Pepin on Saturday, July 4. Area Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers reported heavy traffic on the water as people celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.-Photo by Ben Threinen

Family of ducks paddles by, boats float

May 27, 2026

Look at this absolute family unit of mallard ducks. Photographer Ben Threinen snapped this photo of the two parents and their nine ducklings out for a Memorial Day weekend swim. Below, sailboats and motorboats on Lake Pepin in another photo by Threinen.

5K-9 fundraiser and 100-mile Garage Sale coincide

May 13, 2026

Photographer Ben Threinen captured some images from what was an eventful weekend. At left are two athletes participating in the Hiawatha Animal Humane Society’s annual 5K-9 fun run or walk along the Riverwalk from Ohuta Beach toward Hok-Si-La and back. At right, three people contemplate some old...

A turn of turtles and a solitary wood duck

Apr 22, 2026

Sitting there like a bump on a log gets a bad rap. The turtles above and at right below look like they are living their best life while soaking up the springtime sunshine. At left below, a wood duck paddles by.-Photos by Ben Threinen

Pelicans proliferate on Pleasant Valley Lakelet, crane makes appearance

Apr 15, 2026

A great many pelicans were present on the southern portion of Pleasant Valley Lakelet (AKA Frontenac Pond) on April 10. Ben Threinen, who took this photo, said it’s the first time in about six years he’s seen such a large gathering on the pond. Back then they had congregated on the northern part of...